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Call me JD or Sly. A huge music, movie, TV, books and pop culture junkie. Having said that, I'm not remotely good at any form of art (haha!). I'm more of the behind-the-scenes type. Being an introvert, I'm better at expressing my thoughts in writing than in person. My life is a bore so this blog is some sort of outlet to keep my sanity. Most of the time though, my typing hands are busy with work so I do this only when my schedule permits or if I'm passionate about something I've heard/seen/read lately.

Blogger - me? I wouldn't call myself that. I don't even know if I'm doing it right. After all, I'm just a regular person thinking out loud through written words on a modern platform. It's an enjoyable pastime and it's very therapeutic at times. So I hope you enjoy reading around and uh, feel free to hit me back. :-)

Pop culture junkie

Taylor Swift

It’s obvious , the divas dominated the charts, the airwaves and the awards shows. And they sure made some hella noise. Still, healthy competition came from their male counterparts. Justin Timberlake brought his sexy back back for his two, yes 2, albums: The 20/20 Experience 1 & 2. I really dig his signature Pop/RNB sound and you think by now he and Timbaland would’ve run out of ideas. Plus those ballads, you can never go wrong with a JT love song. *swoon* You also can’t overlook (they’re everywhere!) the mega success of One Direction whose Midnight Memories topped the Billboard 200, gave them the record for the only group to have their first 3 albums debut at no. 1. For me they’re eye-candy so let them do what they want but seriously the tattoos have got to stop (ehem Harry). At least Liam still looks clean for the most part. Even the rap gods bowed down: Jay Z, who officially removed the “-” from his name (uhm, okay), still leads the pack with Magna Carta… Holy Grail. Late this year, Eminem released part 2 of his breakout The Marshall Mathers LP. And of course, Yeezus, which he refers to as his god name. Like really? ugh so over him. Yeah, I’m talking about you Kanye.

2013 was literally a pop female explosion. Let’s just say it, ratchet as everything she does right now. Miley is the blockbuster hit. I love all the pop albums that came out but damn, Bangerz is my jam yo!! Didn’t know Southern Pop/Hip-hop got it goin’ on. And THAT kitty is so cute. Since we’re in the topic let’s move on to Katy Perry. Prism presented her in a different light. Light as in bright and as in feather. Like a breath of fresh air and you can tell she’s in a good place. The songs came from a good place. Newcomer Lorde making waves with Royals and recently, Team. She’s the ultimate outsider and we relate to her because of it. Don’t forget earlier this year, Disney Alums Demi Lovato and the now solo, Selena Gomez both shined with their respective releases. Demi was an emotional piece, showcasing her vulnerability and vocal strength. I’d like to think she’s the Christina from Selena’s Britney. Stars Dance was a dance fest. Fun and sexy. Yeah, you should try watching the Come and Get It video, whut. My personal fave, Sara Bareilles, also came out with the power anthem, Brave off The Blessed Unrest. Happy for her Album of the Year Grammy nomination! Speaking of award shows, Taylor Swift is still reaping the rewards from last year’s Red. That record is awesome. For months Lady Gaga teased us with her ARTPOP. It even came with an app. So when she said she lives for the Applause then I’m more than willing to give it. Paws up, monsters! The record’s unconventional. I mean it’s still mostly electro dance music but I don’t know, maybe that’s what happens when you infuse Pop with Art. LOL, I’m talking shit am I? Can I just say something about that Gaga-Xtina performance of Do What U Want on The Voice Finale? I GAGGED. I LIVE for this kind of thing.

Capping off the year, It’s-Britney-Bitch Spears gives us her most personal record. They say that all the time, how personal can you get? Kidding. The first single Work Bitch brought us back the Dance-ney we always loved. So we held hands in tears, in awe as she gyrated to her British accent. But just like that we were caught unguarded. We were not prepared.

QUEEN Bey rendered all them artists irrelevant by dropping a bomb an album out of nowhere. Sure we heard she’s recording but with no single close to year end we all thought we were safe from the onslaught. But we’re not, no one is and we all just died from Beyonce realnezz. This bitch had enough time from her Mrs. Carter World Tour to even conceptualize, shoot music videos for all the tracks. Well she did it on B’Day so she can do it again. So there it goes, who run the world? Anyone dare say the contrary?

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I can’t even begin to describe how I love this album. Personally, this is her best effort yet. There are no ‘yawn’ songs here. And I didn’t feel like the sound is too repetitive. Something I’ve had a problem with on her previous records. Taylor Swift is a songwriter first and foremost and this album is (another) proof. Her lyrical prowess is golden; how she can narrate a simple, casual experience or story and turn it into music that is relatable and enjoyable. I like how she described why she named the album Red:

All the different emotions that are written about on this album… all of that — in my mind, all those emotions are red. You know, there’s nothing in between. There’s nothing beige about any of those feelings.

You don’t how many times I’ve played this album on repeat. I’m seriously considering not to write a review but rather just post every lyric I like from each song, hahaha! The 16 tracks are as follows:

State Of Grace. When I first heard it, I thought it was very unlike Swift – sound-wise which is great because it means she’s trying out new things. This is a song that “grows” on you, at least that’s what happened with me. Fave lyrics: And i never saw you coming/ And I’ll never be the same.

Red is an instant darling, just listen to it. Should be a future single. 🙂 Fave lyrics: (I like all of it! haha but if I have to choose) Memorizing him was as easy as knowing all the words to your old favorite tune/ Forgetting him was like trying to know somebody you’ve never met/ But loving him was red.

Treacherous. She takes it slow and easy but still hitting it home with every word. Fave lyrics: And i’d be smart to walk away/ But you’re quick sand/ This slope is treacherous/ And I, I, I like it.

I Knew You Were Trouble is the first upbeat number and also a personal favorite. The music video’s out already! Check here. Fave lyrics: Cause I knew you were trouble when you walked in/ So shame on me now/ Flew me to places I’d never been/ Til you put me down oh.

All Too Well is a masterpiece among several others. Love this song! (Warning: you’ll probably read that phrase throughout this post) Fave lyrics: (Again all of it :p )Cause here we are again on that little town street/ You almost ran the red cause you were looking over at me/ Wind in my hair, I was there, I remember it all too well.

22 is fun and best sung among friends. That bit “Who’s Taylor Swift anyway?” is funny. Fave lyrics: We’re happy free confused and lonely at the same time/ It’s miserable and magical oh yeah/ Tonight’s the night when we forget about the deadlines/ It’s time uh oh.

I Almost Do. Needless to say, I love this song! 😀 It’s kind of sad actually but the sentiment’s nice (running out of adjectives here). Fave lyrics: I bet/ You think I either moved on or hate you/ Cause each time you reach out there’s no reply/ I bet it never, ever occurred to you that I can’t say hello to you/ And risk another goodbye.

We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together. Ah, the catchy first single which really doesn’t define the collection. So if you find this song too ‘pop’, don’t give up on this album just yet. P.S. Love the spoken lyrics! Fave lyrics: You go talk to your friends/ Talk to my friends/ Talk to me/ But we/ Are never ever, ever, ever/ Getting back together.

Stay Stay Stay is another playful/girly track. No problem with me, hahaha especially this cute lyric coming up. Fave lyrics: This morning I said we should talk about it/ Cause I read you should never leave a fight unresolved/ That’s when you came in wearing a football helmet/ And said okay let’s talk.

The Last Time features Snow Patrol front-man Gary Lightbody. It’s the better of the 2 collaborations in the album. I like the outro of this song too. Fave lyrics: This is the last time I’m asking you this/ Put my name on the top of your list.

Holy Ground. You just find yourself singing along to. Maybe even bump your head to it but in a Taylor Swift way. 😀 Fave lyrics: And darling, it was good never looking down/ And right there where we stood was holy ground.

Sad Beautiful Tragic takes a turn again for the sad song route. I guess this is my least fave from the record. No fave lyrics (yet).

The Lucky One talks about the price of fame kinda like Britney’s Lucky. I like this for the melody. Fave lyrics: Another name goes up in lights/ You wonder if you’ll make it out alive.

Everything Has Changed with Ed Sheeran. I don’t know much about this guy but he’s everywhere. It’s a nice duet, their voices blended together just fine. Fave lyrics: All I know is a simple name/ And everything has changed/ All I know is you held the door/ You’ll be mine and I’ll be yours/ All I know since yesterday is everything has changed.

Starlight is the last upbeat song and like Holy Ground, something great to sing along with. Fave lyrics: I said oh my, what a marvelous tune/ It was the best night, never would forget how we moved/ The whole place was dressed to the nines/ And we were dancing dancing/ Like we’re made of starlight, starlight.

Begin Again. The 2nd single which weirdly sits as the last track, I fell in love to upon hearing. How could you not when it goes: Fave lyrics: And you throw your head back laughing like a/ Little kid/ I think it’s strange that you think I’m funny cause/ He never did/ I’ve been spending the last 8 months/ Thinking all love ever does/ Is break and burn and end/ But on a Wednesday in a café/ I watched it begin again.

Red is indeed all kinds of intense, all kinds of emotion. Love, Sadness, Laughter, Hope, Grief, Anger. But valid everyday emotions, nonetheless. That’s why her songs are always so endearing and likeable. I’m proud to say, Taylor Swift you have made me a fan once again.

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Huge international acts are set to conquer Manila which is rare so I envy those who’ll be able to catch it so hopefully I’ll be one of them.

It was really great news when it was announced that Ms. Janet Jackson will take her Number Ones: Up Close and Personal World Tour here in the Philippines on Feb. 4. Although, I’m not sure how great the venue is. It will be held on the PICC Plenary Hall which I can understand why, maybe its the ‘formal’ setting of the place. How many is the capacity of PICC anyways? But it will be a blast still, she’s going to perform her greatest hits! My favorites from way back like Miss You Much, If, What Have You Done For Me Lately, Control, Together Again and her later releases such as Feedback, All For You, Call On Me.

Taylor Swift’s concert here in Manila, on the other hand, has been announced since last year and has been sold out since as well. She’ll be performing at the Araneta Center on Feb. 19. I can’t believe how fast those tickets were selling. Those who were able to get tickets are lucky! It sucks that we don’t have a bigger stadium than Araneta, they would’ve accommodated more fans. And I don’t think it’s a good idea to transfer it to the MOA open grounds. She’ll probably be performing more of her Speak Now songs but it will be amazing if she sings her earlier hits.

Meanwhile, even LMFAO will be performing at Club Republiq on Jan. 20. Yes, the crazy duo who came up with the party hits namely Shots and I’m In Miami, Bitch! But I think Pinoy fans will be even more excited of the news that Kris Aquino herself confirmed on Twitter. As one of the producers, they will bring Bruno Mars here in Manila on April at Araneta! Now that’s amazing news, we’ll be waiting.

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VMA ratings higher than 17% this year; the highest in 5 years, thanks to Mr. West.

But no thanks.

Kanye’s ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) triggered once again and what’s silly is that he wasn’t even nominated for that category and yet he still had something to say. I understand if he has qualms on not winning but damn that was Best Female Video for crying out loud! I’m sure you’ve heard about him taking Taylor’s winning moment when he interrupted during her speech. It even brought about several jokes on the net. It was funny btw. I remembered Beyonce’s shocked reaction, she was like: “Oh, Kanye!” It was really nice when she let Taylor have her moment again when the former won for Video of the Year (well-deserved!). Although some were saying these were all staged, I doubt it. Kanye’s a douchebag even in real life, wait a jerk too and an asshole.

Another crazy thing that happened that night was Lady GaGa. I don’t know what to do with her anymore, I know she’s a self-confessed attention whore but what the hell were she wearing!!! Ugh, I mean I love her and her music but… when she does things like that. Tsk, I’m just glad she won for Best New Artist. As well as Britney’s Womanizer for Best Pop Video, kind of stupid she wasn’t nominated for the Female category.

All in all, the VMAs was such a blast once again. Janet’s performace was amazing I wish she had lengthen it. Madonna’s tribute speech for MJ was surprisingly good, for a moment I thought she will make it all about her. I wished B performed another song, as much as I loved Single Ladies but that was like so last year already! And I didn’t like the changes she made either. As with GaGa, she murdered the song once again. Paparazzi is one of my favorite songs from her and I was disappointed with the video and this performance.